The Brothers Johnson, Stomp! | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 135th edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Stomp!” by The Brothers Johnson. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 135^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Stomp!” performed by The Brothers Johnson.

“Everybody take it to the top / We’re gonna stomp all night / In the neighborhood / Don’t it feel alright?” Yes, it does, The Brothers Johnson! The Brothers Johnson – George Johnson (guitar/vocals) and the late Louis Johnson (bass/vocals) – were a dynamic duo in the late 1970s and early 80s.  George and Louis struck gold thrice in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. The six-minute-plus “Stomp!” is one of those three top 10 hits, peaking at no. 7. “Stomp!” is the energetic opening track from their 1980 album, Light Up The Night.  Both Johnson brothers, Rod Temperton, and Valerie Johnson penned “Stomp!”.  Quincy Jones produced.

Given its electrifying sound, it’s no surprise that “Stomp!” has been sampled a lot. This is funk, post-disco (RIP), at its finest.  The rhythm section is locked in – grooving hard from the onset. The guitar riffs are top-notch, while the bass guitar lines are fat and filled with calories! The orchestra amplifies the timbre with bright, articulated horns and athletic, confident, and rhythmic strings.  The backdrop alone is impressive.  The songwriting and vocals aren’t outdone either. “Steppin’ out, the weekend’s open wide / Fill it up, let’s blast the jams and ride.” Absolutely, The Brothers Johnson! In the second verse, “The set is hot, there’s people wall to wall /… So, grab the one with the smile on her face / And hit the floor and stay right on the case / The heat is on and the funk just won’t leave us alone.” Ooh-wee, that funk is potent! No further analysis is necessary. The music speaks volumes. More than 40 years later, “Stomp!” is an infectious, unforgettable funk gem. Anachronistic? Not in the least. The vibe still vibes!

The Brothers Johnson // Light Up The Night // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 1980

The Brothers Johnson, Stomp: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 135 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; UMG Recordings, Inc.; OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]